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What is the change? Israel has clarified that any work permit that is not followed up with a visa application within 90 days will automatically be deemed canceled.

What does the change mean? The policy is intended to prevent companies from hoarding work permits or holding onto them until their one-year expiration.

Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.

Visas/permits affected: B-1 work permits.

Who is affected: Companies and foreign experts filing applications for B-1 work permits.

Business impact: Immigration authorities are being stricter in preventing companies from filing for spare work permits. Additionally, Israeli work permit authorities have clarified that any violation of work permit rules will be considered a criminal offense under the Foreign Employees Law.

Next steps: Companies with extra work permits older than 90 days for which a visa application has not been submitted should consult their BAL professional.

Background: The Ministry of Interior’s Work Permit Unit set the policy because of a large number of unused work permits.

BAL Analysis: Companies filing for work permit should be aware that they will be canceled within 90 days unless followed up with a visa application, regardless of expiration date. In light of the clarification that work permit violations constitute criminal offenses, employers should anticipate increased inspections and criminal prosecutions.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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